Gomez is far from ‘Useless’ these days

 Lemoore, Calif. – Ulysses Gomez is quickly emerging as a ruthless competitor in mixed martial arts circles.

The Cobra Kai trained flyweight improved his record to 4-1 in October at Tachi Palace Fights 1 with his fourth submission, a vicious rear-naked choke against Oakdale, Calif.’s Martin Sandoval (4-2).

But as fierce of a competitor Gomez is in the cage, it gives way to the comedian outside the cage, as Gomez has become an urban legend and fan-favorite among hardcore MMA fans on the infamous “UG” on the discussion forums of www.mma.tv.

“I first started posting there just a bunch of stupid stuff to get people’s attention I guess. And then people started to kind of follow my grappling career and pankration career,” said Gomez, who will take on Sioux Falls, S.D.’s Ben Nguyen (4-2) on Thursday, December 3 at Tachi Palace Fights 2’s “Brawl in the Hall” at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif.

“I’ve gained a lot of popularity on there, but the ‘UG’ is like the uncle that paid your way through college, but also beat you, it’s a love hate thing you know what I mean.”

Love-hate also describes the way fight fans are starting to feel about Gomez in Central California and beyond.

The avid video game player has had the daunting task as playing the villain role in many of his fights at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino, including a 3-round decision loss to Thailand’s Rambaa Somdet (6-2).

“I’m pretty well known on Xbox 360, too. I don’t play that much anymore really. It started out at Cobra Kai as a contest to see who could get the most gamer points and I think I had like two thousand at the time,” Gomez said. “I won the contest with like 44 thousand points and Marc Laimon had like 21 thousand in second I think. But now I haven’t played too much I’m too busy riding my bike or taking naps.”

Nguyen certainly isn’t some one to sleep on. He displayed well-rounded skills in his knockout loss to Alexis Vila (6-0).

“I think that (Nguyen) likes Dragon Ball Z, he’s pretty good on the ground and obviously isn’t afraid to throw punches. I know he’s a nice guy and I think this is going to be a good challenge for both of us,” Gomez said. “I’m more than willing to fight this fight on the feet or we can go to the ground. Ultimately, the decision will be his.”

Nguyen’s decision on where the fight will go might have already been made.

“I feel like I’m going to do awesome pretty much. I know he’s beatable. I’m going to try and keep it standing and if it does go to the ground I will be ready,” Nguyen said. “I see it staying standing, though, with me picking him apart. If it goes to the ground I will pound him out.”

Tickets can be purchased at www.tickets.com or charge by phone at 1-800-225-2277. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tachi Palace Gift Shop and start at a low price of just $30 for general admission seating.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and fights start at 6:30 p.m.

The weighins will take place at the Den Sports Bar located on the third floor of the Palace. Weighins are slated to begin at 5 p.m. and fans are encouraged to come mingle with the fighters.

In the main event, Parlier, Calif. middleweight Mike Moreno (5-2) takes Parris, France’s Xavier Foupa-Pokam (20-11) and in the co-main event Las Vegas, Nev. featherweight Eddie Yagin (13-3-1) clashes Atlanta, Ga.’s Diego Saraiva (13-8-1).

In a pair of feature bouts, Parris, France’s Cyrille Diabate (14-6-1), who is a former coach on Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter” battles veteran light heavyweight Milwaukee, Wis.’s Rob Smith (20-13-1).

In other bouts:

Santa Rosa, Calif. welterweight Kyle Pimentel (7-0) vs. Sacramento, Calif.’s Marcus Gains (6-7).

Clovis, Calif. featherweight John Reedy (8-3) vs. Seattle, Wash.’s Shad Lierely (5-2).

Porterville, Calif. featherweight Shawn Klarcyk (9-4) vs. Merced, Calif.’s Jesse Bowen (6-3).

Lemoore, Calif. heavyweight Dashi Salas (1-0) vs. Fresno, Calif.’s Mike Guirdy (1-0).

Fresno, Calif. welterweight Luis Santos (35-4-1) vs. Salt Lake City, Utah’s Jake Paul (15-13).

Visalia, Calif. featherweight Cody Gibson (2-0) vs. Bakersfield, Calif.’s Ray Cervera (2-0)

Oakland, Calif. lightweight Romulo Melo (2-0) vs. Sacramento, Calif.’s Bret Hypolite (1-0). 

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